ADJUSTABLE TENSIONING DEVICES

Abstract

Tensioning devices which may, for example, be used in fencing systems are disclosed. In one form, a system includes a pair of linking members each of which may be tensioned to transition from a flexible or somewhat flexible configuration to a more rigid configuration. The system further includes a tensioning device including a first engaging member configured to engage with a linking member, a second engaging member configured to engage with another linking member, and an adjustment member cooperating with and structured to selectively control relative positioning of the first and second engaging members. Each of the linking members may be engaged with a respective one of a pair elongate members spaced from one another, or with a first one and a second one of the elongate members. When so engaged, the tensioning device may be engaged with and tension the linking members to provide bracing between the elongate members.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure generally relates to tensioning devices, and more particularly but not exclusively, to adjustable tension bracing or tensioning systems including one or more tensioning devices which may provide bracing between elongate members such as fence posts and/or tensioning of fencing wires.

Bracing systems between elongate members such as fence posts may involve numerous components, and the installation of these systems may involve multiple operations to properly tighten or adjust tensioning of these components. Moreover, systems for tensioning fencing wires may also include numerous components and be functionally complex. Similarly, current bracing and tensioning systems may be subject to assembly complications and other issues.

In view of the foregoing, there remains a need for further contributions in this area of technology.

The claimed subject matter is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate examples of where the present disclosure may be utilized.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present disclosure generally relates to bracing systems, and more particularly but not exclusively, to adjustable tension bracing systems which may provide bracing between elongate members such as fence posts.

In one embodiment, a system for bracing a first elongate member and a second elongate member includes a first linking member configured to extend between and engage with the first elongate member and the second elongate member, and a second linking member configured to extend between and engage with the first elongate member and the second elongate member. The system also includes a tensioning device including a first engaging member configured to engage with the first linking member, a second engaging member configured to engage with the second linking member, and an adjustment member cooperating with and structured to selectively control relative positioning of the first and second engaging members. The tensioning device is positionable along the first and second linking members between the first and second elongate members and is structured to tension the first and second linking members as the first and second engaging members are drawn toward one another by the adjustment member.

In another embodiment, a system for bracing a pair of fence posts includes a first linking member configured to engage with and extend between a first fence post and a second fence post, and a second linking member configured to engage with and extend between the first fence post and the second fence post. The system also includes a tensioning device including a first engaging member configured to receive a portion of the first linking member, a second engaging member spaced from the first engaging member and configured to receive a portion of the second linking member, and an adjustment member structured couple the first and second engaging members. The first and second engaging members are movable between a first configuration where the tensioning device is positionable along the first and second linking members and a second configuration where a tensioning force is applied to the first and second linking members and the tensioning device is secured to the first and second linking members.

In still another embodiment, a method for bracing fence posts includes coupling a first linking member with a first fence post and a second fence post, coupling a second linking member with the first fence post and the second fence post, and positioning a tensioning device between and in engagement with the first linking member and the second linking member. The tensioning device includes a first engagement member receiving a portion of the first linking member, a second engagement member receiving a portion of the second linking member, and an adjustment member configured to control spacing between the first engagement member and the second engagement member. The method also includes engaging the adjustment member to decrease the spacing between the first engagement member and the second engagement member and tension the first linking member and the second linking member.

In yet another embodiment, a system for tensioning a fencing wire includes a tensioning device engaged with a fence post. The tensioning device includes a first engaging member configured to engage with the fencing wire and an adjustment member cooperating with and structured to selectively control relative positioning of the first engaging member and the fence post. The tensioning device is structured to tension the fencing wire as the first engaging member is drawn toward the fence post by the adjustment member.

In still another embodiment, a system for tensioning fencing wires includes a tensioning device including a first engaging member configured to engage with a first fencing wire, a second engaging member configured to engage with a second fencing wire, and an adjustment member cooperating with and structured to selectively control relative positioning of the first engaging member and the second engaging member. The tensioning device is structured to tension the fencing wires as the first engaging member is drawn toward the second engaging member by the adjustment member.

In alternative embodiments, assemblies, systems, apparatuses, and devices relating to fences, fencing systems, and bracing between fencing components are provided.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential characteristics of the disclosed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the disclosed subject matter.

Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the invention. The features and advantages may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a system providing bracing between fencing posts.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a tensioning device of the system of FIG. 1 engaged between a pair of linking members.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the tensioning device of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternative configuration of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment tensioning device.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment engaging member for the tensioning device illustrated in FIG. 1 or FIG. 5.

FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate another alternative embodiment engaging member for the tensioning device illustrated in FIG. 1 or FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a side view of another alternative embodiment tensioning device.

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of a tensioning device used for tensioning a fencing wire relative to a fence post.

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of a tensioning device engaged with a collar positioned about a fence post and used for tensioning a fencing wire relative to the fence post.

FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of tensioning device engaged with opposing fencing wires and used for tensioning the fencing wires.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For purposes of promoting an understanding of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the following embodiments and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the described subject matter, and such further applications of the disclosed principles as described herein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates.

The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a component surface” includes reference to one or more of such surfaces.

By the term “substantially” it is meant that the recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations or variations, including for example, tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations and other factors known to skill in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect the characteristic was intended to provide.

The present disclosure generally relates to tensioning and bracing systems, and more particularly but not exclusively, to adjustable tension bracing or tensioning systems which may provide bracing between elongate members such as fence posts of tensioning of fencing wires. Turning now generally to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a bracing system 10 that may be used for any number of purposes, including for example to provide bracing between elongate members such as fence posts. In FIGS. 1-2, system 10 has been engaged with a first fence post 12 and a second fence post 14. In the illustrated form, a first member 16 extends between the first fence post 12 and the second fence post 14 at the lower ends of the first fence post 12 and the second fence post 14. In addition, a first support member 18 is associated with the first fence post 12 and a second support member 20 is associated with the second fence post 14. In this arrangement, the first member 16, the first support member 18, and the second support member 20 are present to properly space and stabilize the first fence post 12 and the second fence post 14 since the first fence post 12 and the second fence post 14 are not positioned in and held by soil as would occur during their typical application. Similarly, it should be appreciated that the illustrated configuration of the first fence post 12 and the second fence post 14 has been provided to facilitate use of the system 10 in a controlled setting. It should likewise be appreciated that the first member 16, the first support member 18, and the second support member 20 may be absent when the first fence post 12 and the second fence post 14 are driven or positioned into soil by way of which the spacing of the lower ends, and the side-to-side stability, of the first fence post 12 and the second fence post 14 is provided.

A second member 22 also extends between and connects the first fence post 12 and the second fence post 14 at a location above the lower ends of the first fence post 12 and the second fence post 14 and may be used to maintain a desired spacing of the first fence post 12 and the second fence post 14 at the level at which the second member 22 is positioned. In some forms, the second member 22 may be positioned at or adjacent to the upper ends (not shown) of the first fence post 12 and the second fence post 14. The second member 22 may be present between the first fence post 12 and the second fence post 14 when, for example, the first fence post 12 and the second fence post 14 form a corner of a fencing system. However, the second member 22 may also be present between the first fence post 12 and the second fence post 14 in other arrangements.

The system 10 includes a first linking member 24 which extends between the first fence post 12 and the second fence post 14. More specifically, in the illustrated form, the first linking member 24 engages with the first fence post 12 and the second fence post 14 at a location above where the second member 22 engages with the first fence post 12 and the second fence post 14. The first linking member 24 is defined by a cable loop which may be positioned over the upper ends of the first fence post 12 and the second fence post 14 in order to provide engagement therewith. An anchor or stop member 26 is engaged with the first fence post 12 and is configured to prevent movement of the first linking member 26 toward the lower end of the first fence post 12. A similar anchor or stop member (not shown) may be engaged with the second fence post 14 and configured to prevent movement of the first linking member 26 toward the lower end of the second fence post 14.

The system 10 also includes a second linking member 28 which extends between the first fence post 12 and the second fence post 14. More specifically, in the illustrated form, the second linking member 28 engages with the first fence post 12 and the second fence post 14 at a location adjacent to the lower ends of the first fence post 12 and the second fence post 14. When the first fence post 12 and the second fence post 14 are positioned in soil, the second linking member 28 may be engaged therewith at a location which is just above the soil, although other variations are possible. The second linking member 28 is defined by a cable loop which may be positioned over the upper ends of the first fence post 12 and the second fence post 14 in order to provide engagement therewith. An anchor or stop member 29 is engaged with the first fence post 12 and is configured to prevent movement of the second linking member 28 toward the upper end of the first fence post 12. A similar anchor or stop member (not shown) may be engaged with the second fence post 14 and configured to prevent movement of the second linking member 28 toward the upper end of the second fence post 14.

The first linking member 24 and the second linking member 28 are generally provided with a flexible or semi-flexible configuration which facilitates positioning thereof around and relative to the first fence post 12 and the second fence post 14. In one form, the cable loop forming the first linking member 24 and the second linking member 28 provides these components with the aforementioned flexibility. However, it is also contemplated that other materials could be used to form the linking members 24 and 28. For example, the linking member 24 and 28 may also be formed from wire, rope, bands or other similar materials, just to provide a few non-limiting examples. In one form, the first and second linking members 24 and 28 are sized to prevent their crossing between the first fence post 12 and the second fence post 14 when the first and second linking members 24 and 28 are engaged therewith. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the first and second linking members 24 and 28 are spaced from one another as they are drawn together between the first fence post 12 and the second fence post 14.

The first and second linking members 24, 28 may be tensioned or tightened from the flexible or semi-flexible configuration in order to provide a rigid or more rigid configuration thereof. In this regard, the system 10 also includes a tensioning device 30 which may be positioned along and engaged with the first linking member 24 and the second linking member 28. The tensioning device 30 is configured to tension or tighten the first and second linking members 24, 28 from their flexible or semi-flexible configuration to the rigid or more rigid configuration which is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and is suitable for providing bracing between the first fence post 12 and the second fence post 14.

The tensioning device 30 includes a first engaging member 32 configured to engage with one of the first linking member 24 and the second linking member 28. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the first engaging member 32 is engaged with the first linking member 24. With reference to FIG. 3, the first engaging member 32 includes a base 34 from which a first flange 36 and a second flange 38 extend. A channel 40 is formed between the first flange 36 and the second flange 38 and is configured to receive opposite portions of the cable loop defining the first linking member 24. In this arrangement, the first flange 36 and the second flange 38 prevent splaying of the cable loop at the location where the first engaging member 32 is engaged therewith. The first engaging member 32 also includes an aperture 42 extending through the base 34.

The tensioning device also 30 includes a second engaging member 44 configured to engage with one of the first linking member 24 and the second linking member 28. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the second engaging member 44 is engaged with the second linking member 28. With reference again to FIG. 3, the second engaging member 44 includes a base 46 from which a first flange 48 and a second flange 50 extend. A channel 52 is formed between the first flange 48 and the second flange 50 and is configured to receive opposite portions of the cable loop defining the second linking member 28. In this arrangement, the first flange 48 and the second flange 50 prevent splaying of the cable loop at the location where the second engaging member 44 is engaged therewith. The second engaging member 44 also includes an internally threaded aperture 54 extending through the base 46.

The tensioning device 30 further includes an adjustment member 56 which includes an externally threaded portion 58 and an enlarged end portion 60. The externally threaded portion 58 of the adjustment member 56 may be positioned through the aperture 42 in the base of the first engaging member 32 and be threadingly engaged with the internally threaded aperture in the base 46 of the second engaging member 44. In this configuration, when the tensioning device 30 is engaged with the first and second linking members 24, 28 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 for example, and the enlarged end portion 60 of the adjustment member 56 is positioned against the base 34 of the first engaging member 32, continued threaded engagement of the adjustment member 56 (via rotation) with and through the second engaging member 44 brings the first engaging member 32 and the second engaging member 44 closer to one another.

As a result, the portions of the first linking member 24 and the second linking member 28 to which the tensioning device 30 is engaged are also brought closer together, and a tensioning force is applied to the first linking member 24 and the second linking member 28. In one non-limiting form, the amount of the tensioning force applied to the first linking member 24 and the second linking member 28 is the same, although other variations are contemplated depending on the exact configuration of the system 10. The adjustment member 56 may be rotated and threadingly advanced through the second engaging member 44 until a desired amount of tension has been applied to the first linking member 24 and the second linking member 28. In some forms, when the desired amount of tension has been applied to the first linking member 24 and the second linking member 28, movement of the tensioning device 30 along the first linking member 24 and the second linking member 28 may be prevented.

An alternative configuration of the system 10 is illustrated in FIG. 4, where like numerals refer to like features previously described. In this configuration, opposite ends of the first linking member 24 are positioned around and engage with the first fence post 12 at a location above the second member 22. The anchor or stop member 26 is positioned on the first fence post 12 below the first linking member 24 to prevent movement of the first linking member 24 along the first fence post 12 toward its lower end or the underlying ground. Further, opposite ends of the second linking member 28 are positioned around and engage with the second fence post 14 at a location below the second member 22. The anchor or stop member 29 is positioned on the second fence post 14 above the second linking member 28 to prevent movement of the second linking member 28 along the second fence post 14 toward the second member 22. The tensioning device 30 is positioned between and engages with the first linking member 24 and the second linking member 28. In this arrangement, the tensioning device 30 generally extends obliquely to the first fence post 12 and the second fence post 14 whereas the tensioning device 30 generally extends in-line with the first fence post 12 and the second fence post 14 in the arrangement illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

Turning now to FIG. 5, an alternative embodiment tensioning device 130 which may be used in the system 10 is illustrated. The tensioning device 130 includes a first engaging member 132 and a second engaging member 134. The first engaging member 132 is configured to engage with one of the first linking member 24 and the second linking member 28. The first engaging member 132 includes a base 136 from which a first flange 138 and a second flange 140 extend. A channel is formed between the first flange 138 and the second flange 140 and is configured to receive opposite portions of the cable loop defining one of the first linking member 24 and the second linking member 28. In this arrangement, the first flange 138 and the second flange 140 prevent splaying of the cable loop at the location where the first engaging member 132 is engaged therewith. The first and second flanges 138, 140 generally extend orthogonally to the base 136, and the first engaging member 132 also includes a pair of oppositely positioned flanges 142 and 144. The flanges 142 and 144 extend from the base 136 in an opposite direction relative to the first and second flanges 138, 140, and generally extend obliquely to the base 136. In this configuration, portions of one of the linking member 24 and 28 may lay against the flanges 142 and 144 when the first engaging member 132 is engaged therewith. The first engaging member 132 also includes a threaded aperture extending through the base 136.

The second engaging member 134 is configured to engage with one of the first linking member 24 and the second linking member 28. The second engaging member 134 includes a base 146 from which a first flange 148 and a second flange 150 extend. A channel is formed between the first flange 148 and the second flange 150 and is configured to receive opposite portions of the cable loop defining one of the first linking member 24 and the second linking member 28. In this arrangement, the first flange 148 and the second flange 150 prevent splaying of the cable loop at the location where the second engaging member 134 is engaged therewith. The first and second flanges 148, 150 generally extend orthogonally to the base 146, and the second engaging member 134 also includes a pair of oppositely positioned flanges 152 and 154. The flanges 152 and 154 extend from the base 146 in an opposite direction relative to the first and second flanges 148, 150, and generally extend obliquely to the base 146. In this configuration, portions of one of the linking member 24 and 28 may lay against the flanges 152 and 154 when the second engaging member 134 is engaged therewith. The second engaging member 134 also includes a threaded aperture extending through the base 146.

The tensioning device 130 further includes an adjustment member 156 which includes an externally threaded portion 158, an externally threaded portion 160, and a flat portion 162 positioned between the externally threaded portion 158 and the externally threaded portion 160. The flat portion 162 may be configured, for example, to facilitate engagement and rotation of the adjustment member 156. The externally threaded portion 158 includes external threading in a first direction, and the threaded aperture of the first engaging member 132 includes internal threading in a direction corresponding to the threading of the externally threaded portion 158. The externally threaded portion 160 includes external threading in a second direction opposite of the direction of the threading of the externally threaded portion 158, and the threaded aperture of the second engaging member 134 includes internal threading in a direction corresponding to the threading of the externally threaded portion 160. In this arrangement, rotation of the adjustment member 156 in a first direction will result in threaded advancement of the first engaging member 132 and the second engaging member 134 along the adjustment member 156 toward one another, while rotation of the adjustment member 156 in an opposite, second direction will result in threaded advancement of the first engaging member 132 and the second engaging member 134 along the adjustment member 156 away from one another. Similarly, the tensioning device 130 may be positioned along and engaged with the first and second linking member 24 and 28, and the adjustment member 156 may be rotated to provide tensioning to the first and second linking members 24 and 28.

An alternative embodiment engaging member 200 which may be used with the tensioning device 30 or the tensioning device 130 is illustrated in FIG. 6. The engaging member 200 is configured to engage with one of the first linking member 24 and the second linking member 28 or other fencing wires which are configured to engage therewith. The engaging member 200 includes a base 202 from which a first flange 204 and a second flange 206 extend. Generally speaking, an arcuate transition 208 is positioned between the base 202 and the first flange 204, and an arcuate transition 210 is positioned between the base 202 and the second flange 206. A channel is formed between the first flange 204 and the second flange 206 and is configured to receive opposite portions of the cable loop defining one of the first linking member 24 and the second linking member 28. In this arrangement, the first flange 204 and the second flange 206 prevent splaying of the cable loop at the location where the engaging member 200 is engaged therewith. The first and second flanges 204, 206 generally extend orthogonally to the base 202, and the engaging member 200 also includes a pair of oppositely positioned flanges 212 and 214. The flanges 212 and 214 extend from the base 202 in an opposite direction relative to the first and second flanges 204 and 206. Moreover, the flanges 212 and 214 have an arcuate or rounded configuration against which portions of one of the linking members 24 and 28 may lay against when the engaging member 200 is engaged therewith. The engaging member 200 also includes an aperture 216 extending through the base 202. The aperture 216 may be internally threaded to engage with the adjustment member 56 or 156. In other forms, the aperture 216 may not include internal threading and may be used with the adjustment member 56 or an alternatively configured adjustment member. For example, in one form an adjustment member could be provided in the form of a threaded bolt and nut combination where one of a head of the bolt and the nut is positioned against the engaging member 200.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A-C, an alternative embodiment engaging member 300 which may be used with the tensioning device 30 or the tensioning device 130 is illustrated. The engaging member 300 is configured to engage with one of the first linking member 24 and the second linking member 28 or other fencing wires which are configured to engage therewith. The engaging member 300 includes a base 302 from which a first flange 304 and a second flange 306 extend. A plurality of relief portions in the form of cut-out grooves 308a-d are positioned between the base 302 and the first flange 304 and the second flange 306. The cut-out grooves 308a-d are configured to facilitate movement of the first flange 304 and the second flange 306 relative to the base 302 such that the engaging member 300 may be configured between a generally linear configuration as illustrated in FIG. 7A to an arcuate or rounded configuration as illustrated in FIG. 7C. In this configuration, the engaging member 300 may provide a larger engagement or contact radius with one of the first linking member 24 and the second linking member 28 or other fencing wires which are configured to engage therewith.

The engaging member 300, as best seen in FIG. 7B for example, has a generally U-shaped or C-shaped configuration which may prevent splaying of a cable loop or wire loop at the location where the engaging member 300 is engaged therewith. The engaging member 300 also includes an aperture 310 extending through the base 302. The aperture 310 may be internally threaded to engage with the adjustment member 56 or 156. In other forms, the aperture 310 may not include internal threading and may be used with the adjustment member 56 or an alternatively configured adjustment member. For example, in one form an adjustment member could be provided in the form of a threaded bolt and nut combination where one of a head of the bolt and the nut is positioned against the engaging member 300.

An alternative embodiment tensioning device 330 is illustrated in FIG. 8. Generally speaking, the tensioning device 330 is similar to the other tensioning devices described herein, and may be used in the same or similar manner described in connection with the other devices as provided above. The tensioning device 330 includes a first engaging member 332 configured to engage with one of the first linking member 24 and the second linking member 28 or a fencing wire configured to engage therewith. The first engaging member 332 has a generally C-shaped configuration and includes an aperture 334 extending therethrough. The tensioning device also 330 includes a second engaging member 344 configured to engage with one of the first linking member 24 and the second linking member 28 or a fencing wire configured to engage therewith. The second engaging member 344 also has a generally C-shaped configuration and includes an internally threaded aperture 346 extending therethrough.

The tensioning device 330 further includes an adjustment member 356 which includes an externally threaded portion 358 and an enlarged end portion 360. The externally threaded portion 358 of the adjustment member 356 may be positioned through the aperture 334 of the first engaging member 332 and be threadingly engaged with the internally threaded aperture 346 in the second engaging member 344. In this configuration, when the tensioning device 330 is engaged with the first and second linking members 24, 28 or another fencing wire configured to engage therewith, the enlarged end portion 360 of the adjustment member 356 is positioned against the base 334 of the first engaging member 332, and continued threaded engagement of the adjustment member 356 (via rotation) with and through the second engaging member 344 brings the first engaging member 332 and the second engaging member 344 closer to one another and thereby tensions the first and second linking members 24, 28 or other fencing wires engaged therewith.

The tensioning devices disclosed herein may be used in a number of different applications. For example, in addition to the uses described herein above, the tensioning devices disclosed herein may be used as described in connection with FIGS. 9-11. Similarly, while the tensioning device 330 is illustrated in connection with these Figures, it should be appreciated that the other tensioning devices disclosed herein could be used in these or similar applications. Regarding FIG. 9 for example, the tensioning device 330 is engaged with a fence post 412 and is used to tension a fence wire 414, which may be a barbed fencing wire for example, relative to the fence post 412. In the illustrated form for example, the adjustment member 356 extends through the fence post 412 and as it is threadingly engaged with the second engaging member 344, to which the fence wire 414 is engaged, it draws the end of the fence wire 414 engaged with the second engaging member 344 toward the fence post 412 and thereby tensions the fence wire 414. In the illustrated form in FIG. 9, the first engaging member 332 of the tensioning device 330 is absent such that the enlarged portion 360 of the adjustment member 356 may bear directly against the fence post 412. However, forms in which the first engagement member 332 is present and positioned between the fence post 412 and the enlarged portion 360 of the adjustment member 356 are also possible.

Turning now to FIG. 10, a collar 416 having opposing flanges is positioned about and engaged with the fence post 412. The tensioning device 330 is engaged with the collar 416 and is used to tension a fence wire 414, which may be a barbed fencing wire for example, relative to the fence post 412. More specifically, the opposing flanges of the collar 416 include apertures through which the adjustment member 356 extends, and as the adjustment member 356 is threadingly engaged with the second engaging member 344, to which the fence wire 414 is engaged, it draws the end of the fence wire 414 engaged with the second engaging member 344 toward the fence post 412 and thereby tensions the fence wire 414. In the illustrated form in FIG. 10, the first engaging member 332 of the tensioning device 330 is absent such that the enlarged portion 360 of the adjustment member 356 may bear directly against the collar 416. However, forms in which the first engagement member 332 is present and positioned between the collar 416 and the enlarged portion 360 of the adjustment member 356 are also possible.

In FIG. 11, the tensioning device 330 is engaged with and used to tension fence wires 414 and 418, which may be barbed fencing wires for example. More specifically, the fence wire 414 is engaged with the second engaging member 344. For example, the fence wire 414 may include a loop which is engaged with the second engaging member 344. The fence wire 418 is engaged with the first engaging member 332. For example, the fence wire 418 may include a loop which is engaged with the first engaging member 332. As the adjustment member 356 is threadingly engaged with the second engaging member 344, it draws together the fence wires 414 and 418 toward one another and likewise may tension the fence wires 414 and 418 to a desired state.

The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the disclosure is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. A system for bracing a first elongate member and a second elongate member, comprising: a first linking member configured to extend between and engage with the first elongate member and the second elongate member;a second linking member configured to extend between and engage with the first elongate member and the second elongate member; anda tensioning device including a first engaging member configured to engage with the first linking member, a second engaging member configured to engage with the second linking member, and an adjustment member cooperating with and structured to selectively control relative positioning of the first and second engaging members;wherein the tensioning device is positionable along the first and second linking members between the first and second elongate members and is structured to tension the first and second linking members as the first and second engaging members are drawn toward one another by the adjustment member.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second linking members includes a cable.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the adjustment member includes an externally threaded portion.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein one of the first engaging member and the second engaging member includes an internally threaded portion structured to receive the externally threaded portion of the adjustment member.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein one of the first engaging member and the second engaging member includes an aperture configured to facilitate passage of the externally threaded portion of the adjustment member therethrough.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the adjustment member further includes a flange positioned opposite of the externally threaded portion and the flange is enlarged relative to the aperture.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second linking members are sized to prevent crossing one another when the first linking member is engaged to the first and second elongate members proximate a first end thereof and the second linking member is engaged to the first and second elongate members proximate a second end thereof.

8. A system for bracing a pair of fence posts, comprising: a first linking member engaging with and extending between a first fence post and a second fence post;a second linking member engaging with and extending between the first fence post and the second fence post; anda tensioning device including a first engaging member receiving a portion of the first linking member, a second engaging member spaced from the first engaging member and receiving a portion of the second linking member, and an adjustment member structured to couple the first and second engaging members;wherein the first and second engaging members are movable between a first configuration where the tensioning device is positionable along the first and second linking members and a second configuration where a tensioning force is applied to the first and second linking members and the tensioning device is secured to the first and second linking members.

9. The system of claim 8, further comprising a plurality of anchors each engageable with the first fence post or the second fence post and structured to retain positioning of the first linking member or the second linking member along the first fence post or the second fence post.

10. The system of claim 8, further comprising a transverse member configured to extend between the first fence post and the second fence post.

11. The system of claim 8, wherein each of the first linking member and the second linking member includes a flexible cable defining a loop within which the first fence and the second fence post may be received.

12. The system of claim 8, wherein each of the first engaging member and the second engaging member of the tensioning device includes a channel within which a respective portion of the first linking member or the second linking member is positionable.

13. The system of claim 8, wherein the first engaging member includes an aperture configured to facilitate passage of a portion of the adjustment member and the second engaging member includes an internally threaded portion.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the adjustment member extends through the aperture of the first engaging member and includes an externally threaded portion configured to threadingly engage with the internally threaded portion of the second engaging member.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein rotation of the adjustment member relative to the first engaging member and the second engaging member selectively controls spacing between the first engaging member and the second engaging member when the tensioning device is engaged with the first and second linking members.

16. A method for bracing fence posts, comprising: coupling a first linking member with a first fence post and a second fence post;coupling a second linking member with the first fence post and the second fence post;positioning a tensioning device between and in engagement with the first linking member and the second linking member, the tensioning device including a first engagement member receiving a portion of the first linking member, a second engagement member receiving a portion of the second linking member, and an adjustment member configured to control spacing between the first engagement member and the second engagement member; andengaging the adjustment member to decrease the spacing between the first engagement member and the second engagement member and tension the first linking member and the second linking member.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein engaging the adjustment member includes rotating the adjustment member relative to the first engaging member and the second engaging member.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising drawing the portion of the first linking member received by the first engagement member and the portion of the second linking member received by the second engagement member toward one another as the first engagement member is moved toward the second engagement member.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein engaging the adjustment member includes threadably engaging the adjustment member with one of the first engaging member and the second engaging member.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein the first linking member is coupled with an upper portion of the first post and the second post, the second linking member is coupled with a lower portion of the first post and the second post, and a space is maintained and intersection avoid between the first linking member and the second linking member.

21. A system for tensioning a fencing wire, comprising a tensioning device engageable with a fence post and including a first engaging member configured to engage with the fencing wire and an adjustment member cooperating with and structured to selectively control relative positioning between the first engaging member and the fence post, wherein the tensioning device is structured to tension the fencing wire as the first engaging member is drawn toward the fence post by the adjustment member when the tensioning device is engaged with the fence post.

22. (canceled)